Preston R. Kester Collier

Jul 7, 1952 -

Aug 16, 2023

Preston went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. He was 71.

He was born on July 7, 1952, in Portland, Ore. His mother passed away when he was 7 years old, while the family was living in Arcata, Calif. Afterwards they moved to Southern California, where he lived until he was 16. While still 16, he moved with some friends to Washington state, where he finished high school.

Preston was bright and adventurous, a loving brother and friend. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at 15 years old, and his faith was a huge part of his life from then on.

While attending Central Washington University he met his future wife, Cathy Livie. She was from Alaska and that is where they began their marriage and where their son Adam was born. He has also attended St. John's College in Maryland and St. Herman's Seminary in Kodiak, Alaska.

Late in his life he moved to Eagle River, Alaska, where he lived much of the time in a small cabin and became an Orthodox Christian. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Eagle River for about 12 years. His many occupations included: Volkswagen mechanic, mechanic on Bering Sea fishing boats and working on fishing boats off the Oregon Coast, operating a small ferry boat crossing the Willamette River, refrigeration specialist on a military base in Iraq, commercial truck driver in the Lower 48 and school bus driver in Alaska.

He is survived by his sisters, Valerie Krick and Raechel Dow of Oregon; three sons, Ryan Connel, Adam Kester and Brandon Kester; and numerous nieces and nephews.

His last few years were in Providence health care facilities in Anchorage, Alaska, recovering from a stroke. He appreciated the care he received from the staff.

A Service is scheduled at Saint John Cathedral, Monastery Drive in Eagle River, on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, with visitation at 3:30 p.m., funeral at 4:30 p.m., and interment at the adjacent cemetery. Arrangements through Legacy Witzleben Funeral Home.